Every once in a while a book comes along which surprises me with its excellence. Well, this is definitely one of those books. When I first held the book, I could tell that the quality was high - the book has a hardcover and feels like it is quite well made.

But, it really shows how great it is when you open it up! The book is indeed a treasury of wisdom, showing just why Leo Tolstoy is considered one of the greatest men of letters that ever lived. Each day has its own page, in which is included Tolstoy's thought for the day. Each month follows the same rhythm, moving from theme to theme in a stately march.

Overall, I must say that this is a great book, with a gentle wisdom presented in a brief and yet powerful manner. It is a shame that the Communists suppressed this book, as it really is a great work of Western (Russian) literature, and a great daily devotional.

I give this book my highest recommendations!

Tolstoy's Wise Thoughts for Every Day differs from his other works such as A Calendar of Wisdom written in the last ten years of his life, in that in this book nearly all of the passages are from Tolstoy himself, rather than taken from other texts or people, so we really and truly get an idea on Tolstoy's view of life and how it should be lived. Each day has a subject (such as God, Faith, Pride, One Soul in All) around which the thoughts revolve, with the subjects repeating each month.

While this book is, for all intents and purposes, a book of spiritual writing, it is also a work which anyone could easily pick up and read, as the thoughts are philosophical in nature as well, making this work first and foremost a composition on how to live a good life. That was the goal of Tolstoy in the latter part of his life when he spent copious amounts of time writing these books- to make them accessible to anyone and to help them improve their lives. He believed the only true religion is the one which all people can share.....and for this to happen it has to be simple, and not complicated by arbitrary rules. Like all of Tolstoy's great writings, this work shows most strikingly his thorough understanding of the nuances of human character, and the flaws which lie within. Whether one agrees or disagrees with what is contained within Wise Thoughts, one cannot help but be taken aback by Tolstoy's grasp of the deficiencies and imperfections innate in mankind.....and also the vast potential for good.

It should also be noted that there is a very nice description of the last works of Tolstoy's life in the front pages of the book, allowing us to see his works chronicled in the final ten years leading up to his death, something heretofore I had not seen in such detail. Tolstoy's early years were devoted to creating timeless classics such as War and Peace, while the latter part of his life consisted entirely of spiritual works after his religious awakening, after his near suicide at the age of 50. The latter works of his life do not receive the notoriety they deserve, at a time when the world needs such ideas desperately.

When one has a toothache, one goes to the dentist to have it tended to. When one wants a greater understanding of life and of our place in the universe, one can pick up Wise Thoughts to read. As Tolstoy has said innumerable times, the ideas contained in this book are imprinted on our hearts if only we would listen to our soul. Speaking for myself though, from time to time it is nice to have someone make them clear for us. In this regard, Tolstoy does this most impressively, creating a book which is apposite to anyone deliberating on the meaning of life.

A must have for all lovers of Leo Tolstoy's non-fiction writing.

Highly Recommended.